Sneak peek at Syfy's 'Alphas'

Syfy debuts its new series, "Alphas," at 8 p.m. CT July 11. Here's the key art poster from the show.

Syfy debuts its new series, "Alphas," at 8 p.m. CT July 11. Here's the key art poster from the show. (Syfy)

Curt WagnerRedEye

As “X-Men: First Class” opens in theaters this weekend, Syfy is ramping up publicity for its new series about a group of people similar to the X-Men. They’re not mutants, but they are “Alphas”—ordinary people with extraordinary mental and physical abilities.

Hmm, maybe they’re abnormals and we should call Dr. Helen Magnus and the “Sanctuary” team?

All kidding aside—and any reservations that it seems a little like “Heroes” as well—I am eager to try “Alphas,” which was created by Zak Penn, who wrote “X2,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “The Incredible Hulk” and “The Avengers,” and Michael Karnow. The pilot was directed by Jack Bender (“Lost”) and executively produced by Ira Steven Behr (“The 4400,” “Deep Space Nine,” “Dark Angel”).

As yuo can see from the trailer above, "Alphas," premiering at 9 p.m. July 11 on Syfy, follows the Alphas as they are recruited by Dr. Rosen (David Strathairn) to work for the Department of Defense to investigate cases committed by others with Alpha abilities.